PEOPLE

◄ Charmant has hired Ray Geerlof as manager of key accounts and business development. Geerlof brings more than 25 years of experience in the eyewear industry to the role, most recently overseeing the sales rep and distributor network at Eyewear Designs.

◄ Chandra Mickles, O.D., MS, FAAO, FSLS, has been appointed as North America professional education lead, myopia, at Johnson & Johnson Vision. Dr. Mickles is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and Scleral Lens Education Society and serves on the American Optometric Association Contact Lens and Cornea Council and the National Optometric Association board of directors.

BUSINESS UPDATES

Hi-Health announced an elevated quality process that its Vista Advanced supplements go through to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. The entire product line, manufactured in cGMP-certified and FDA-regulated facilities, undergoes rigorous third-party U.S. laboratory analysis to provide proof that the ingredients meet or exceed label claims.

Marcolin is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with the debut of a special anniversary logo that features the number 60, spectacles, and the infinity symbol. In addition, Marcolin house brand Web Eyewear has designed two exclusive sunglasses in recognition of the anniversary.

Marketing4ECPs has announced the acquisition of Innexus, a marketing company for eyecare practices.

National Vision, Inc., has donated $100,000 for the establishment of a new scholarship at the New England College of Optometry geared toward first-generation students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Reed Exhibitions, The Vision Council’s Vision Expo trade show partner, announced its evolution to RX, with a new visual identity and updated brand positioning.

AWARDS

David Pellicer, CEO and founder of Etnia Barcelona, recently received the José Manuel Lara Award, a top business recognition from the Cercle d’Economia civic association, for his innovative technological contribution to the business sector.

◄ The National Optometric Association, the Dr. Marvin R. Poston Foundation, and VSP Global announced the recipients of the Visioning the Future mentorship program, designed to identify African American/Black students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and foster their professional and career advancement in the field of optometry. Nearly $30,000 total was awarded to 10 HBCU graduates during a virtual reception: Winter Beaton, Maleiah Carroll, Nijewel Holliday, Khaliah Knighten, Ijemdinma Ozodigwe, Lauren Price, Lexxus Roberts, Lydia Smith, Shirmarie Starks, and Ebony Thornton.

Prevent Blindness will present its 2021 Person of Vision Award to Marc Ferrara, CEO of information services, Jobson Medical Information, on Sept. 23, in conjunction with Vision Expo West.

The Vision Council announced that the Opening Your Eyes Scholarship Program’s selection committee has chosen the first round of scholarship recipients, providing financial assistance and career guidance to high school seniors and recent high school graduates from marginalized communities who show an interest in the eyecare and optical industry. First-round recipients are Melissa Bottex, Jaedon-King Fletcher, Diya Folia, Aaron Nyambe, Genesis Opokularbi, Anastacia Paul, and JonChris Valerio.